Fortunes aren’t the only thing that can change in Las Vegas in the blink of an eye! This vibrant metropolis seems to debut a new restaurant, show or sightseeing attraction every time you blink. For those readers who haven’t visited recently, here are a few noteworthy newcomers you might want to check out if you have some time before or after the trade shows next week.
SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Worth a quick taxi ride (or car trip) from the Las Vegas Strip, internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale site-specific public art installation located about 10 miles away in Henderson. This unique art work is comprised of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders standing more than 30 feet high, providing a burst of color and form that contrasts beautifully with the stark Mojave desert. The location was chosen by Rondinone as it is physically and symbolically mid-way between the natural and the artificial, with the natural expressed by the mountain ranges, desert, and Jean Dry Lake backdrop, and the artificial expressed by the highway and the constant flow of traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. (Take note; no restroom facilities or other amenities are offered at the artwork site and conditions may be extremely hot, especially at mid-day, so take plenty of water.) (S. Las Vegas Blvd. 775-636-2567)
BEAUTY & ESSEX
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This recent addition to the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s acclaimed group of restaurants, opened in partnership with the world-famous TAO Group, is the latest New York City-based eatery to take hold in Sin City. At this stunning two-level eatery, superstar chef Chris Santos, well known for being a guest on the hit TV series Chopped, offers up such delectable dishes as chile relleno empanadas, grilled cheese, smoked bacon and tomato soup dumplings, and Elote style scallops served with charred corn salad, chipotle, lime and cilantro. Beauty & Essex‘s ultra-inventive cocktail menu features such luscious libations as The Beauty Elixir (Death’s Door Gin, Zonin Rose Prosecco, cucumber and strawberry), The Masterly Touch (Belvedere Vodka, lemon-thyme nectar, and Campari pearls), and The Electric Avenue (Knob Creek Rye, Campari, Lillet, Boston Bitters and Lemon Zest). (3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 702-737-0707)
HUMAN NATURE: JUKEBOX
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The Australian vocal sensation Human Nature’s newest show, Jukebox – which was specially crafted for its home at the Sands Showroom in The Venetian – mixes up classics from the past with today’s hottest hits, creating a musical cornucopia that will having you singing along (quietly) and dancing in your seats. For this outing, the fabulous foursome of Toby Allen, Phil Burton and brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney, backed by a dynamic seven-piece band and world-class dancers, celebrate such great songs as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Stand By Me,” “Unchained Melody,” “Under The Boardwalk,” “Twist and Shout,” “All About That Bass” and “Shake It off,” along with hits made famous by the Bee Gees, Beach Boys, Bruno Mars and a host of other “boy bands”. No nickels needed, either (just tickets). (Sands Showroom at the Venetian. 702-414-9000 or 866-641-7469)
HAIL CAESARS
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Anyone who has ever turned 50 knows just what a milestone that is. (And for those of you who haven’t, get back to me when you get there). So it’s hardly surprising that now-legendary hotel Caesar’s Palace is celebrating its big birthday with a huge variety of special events and promotions. Among these are a special self-guided walking tour and historical photo exhibit which free and open to the public highlighting both the hotel and some of its more famous guests. Floor markers will help guests discover each of the photo-worthy Caesars Palace locations, including “The Five Lucky Spots” to touch for good luck. Which is something everyone needs in Las Vegas. (3570 Las Vegas Blvd S. 866-227-5938)
Worth a quick taxi ride (or car trip) from the Las Vegas Strip, internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale site-specific public art installation located about 10 miles away in Henderson. This unique art work is comprised of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders standing more than 30 feet high, providing a burst of color and form that contrasts beautifully with the stark Mojave desert. The location was chosen by Rondinone as it is physically and symbolically mid-way between the natural and the artificial, with the natural expressed by the mountain ranges, desert, and Jean Dry Lake backdrop, and the artificial expressed by the highway and the constant flow of traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. (Take note; no restroom facilities or other amenities are offered at the artwork site and conditions may be extremely hot, especially at mid-day, so take plenty of water.) (S. Las Vegas Blvd. 775-636-2567)